KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Sports Minister Oliva Grange has hailed the achievement of Jamaica’s track and field team, which dominated the 47th CARIFTA Games in Nassau over the Easter weekend.

The regional powerhouse finished top of the standings with 82 medals overall – 44 gold, 27 silver and 11 bronze – to once again set themselves apart from their rivals.
Grange said the performances were a reflection of the resources committed to track and field, and also highlighted a bright future for the island.

“I watched with elevated pride as we won medal after medal,” said Grange.
“I want to congratulate the athletes and the coaches for the tremendous work that they have been doing to keep Jamaica firmly in the top ranks of world sport.
“We are seeing a wonderful transitioning as some of our senior athletes leave the track and what I have seen at CARIFTA tells me that the future is secure.”

The standout of the weekend was 16-year-old United States-based Briana Williams who completed the cherished sprint double in Girls’ Under-17 division.
She broke a two-decade old record in winning the 100 metres and had a hand in another as she helped Jamaica win the sprint relay, to notch her third gold, and take the Austin Sealy Award for the Most Outstanding Athlete.

Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State for Sports, said Jamaica’s athletes were fine examples of investments well placed.
“When we see Christopher Taylor, Brianna Williams, Shiann Salmon and the relay teams executing almost perfect races we can say that any investment by the government or the private sector in developing sporting facilities and programmes is money well spent,” he said.

“I think we have an exciting time ahead and I am looking forward to being a part of this exciting development.”
Jamaica swept the 1500m finals, the sprint hurdles and the sprint relays while winning three of four of the 100m finals and the 4x400m relay finals.